The Region - News from Nov. 21, 1985

A landlord already under court orders to clean up and repair blighted apartment buildings he owns in Central Los Angeles and not to bother tenants was further ordered to install new security doors, repair or replace fire escapes and, in general, make the buildings secure for occupants. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Norman L. Epstein delayed ruling on a request for security bars on windows until he “can be satisfied that the benefits far outweigh whatever risks” may be involved. Epstein said he thinks that the landlord, Dr. Milton Avol of Beverly Hills, ought to be “commanded” to make his buildings secure for tenants and to discourage criminals from entering the premises. Lawyers for tenant plaintiffs have said that non-resident drug dealers and gang members come and go at will in Avol’s buildings because of lack of security.